Reprint Of A Physical Receipt And Receipt History From An Electronic Receipt For Reducing Fraudulent Returns

ABSTRACT

A method is disclosed for reprinting a paper copy of a receipt at a physical store location. The receipt printing may be based off of an electronic receipt. A customer may provide receipt identification to a returns associate at a POS terminal in a store location. Information may be sent to a server or computer system to request that a receipt be reprinted. The server may then process the request and transmit receipt information to the POS terminal where a paper copy of the receipt is printed for the returns associate. A modified receipt may be printed which includes receipt information for additional transactions. A modified receipt may be printed which includes additional information regarding items on the receipt.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to receipts and receipt management systems andmore particularly to systems and methods for allowing the reprint of aphysical receipt and additional receipt history from a receipt such asan electronic receipt.

2. Background of the Invention

Many point-of-sale (POS) systems currently in use today do not supportimportant emerging technologies. For example, current POS systems arelimited in their ability to handle electronic receipts and to handlesubsequent transactions based on electronic receipts. As a result, theadaptation of electronic receipts is hindered or prevented by theinability to provide the functionality associated with a paper receiptor to adequately handle subsequent transactions such as returns.Accordingly, what is needed is a system and method for facilitating useof electronic receipts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the invention brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not thereforeto be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be describedand explained with additional specificity and detail through use of theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a point-of-sale(POS) system for implementing methods in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of multiple POSsystems in accordance with the present invention operating in thecontext of an enterprise-wide system;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a receipt inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the flow of data within oneembodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a receiptviewed on a mobile electronic device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a receipt inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method for printing apaper copy of a receipt in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows schematic diagrams of various receipts according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a method of transmittinginformation between a mobile electronic device and a POS terminalaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the flow of data within oneembodiment of system in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a receiptsmanagement module in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the presentinvention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein,could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of theembodiments of the invention, as represented in the Figures, is notintended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merelyrepresentative of certain examples of presently contemplated embodimentsin accordance with the invention. The presently described embodimentswill be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like partsare designated by like numerals throughout.

The invention has been developed in response to the present state of theart and, in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the artthat have not yet been fully solved by currently available apparatus andmethods. Accordingly, the invention has been developed to provide asystem and methods for managing receipts and for printing paper receiptsand additional transaction history where a customer may have initiallyreceived an electronic receipt. In some instances, a paper copy of areceipt or a full history of a particular transaction may be needed. Insome instances, additional information related to a receipt may beneeded. A customer may have received an electronic receipt for aprevious purchase at a store. An associate may need to verify thehistory for a particular transaction. For example, a sales associate mayneed to verify if there have been any additional transactions related toa particular item, such as a return, exchange, refund, etc. A salesassociate may need to verify additional information related to a receiptor additional transactions related to a receipt to determine if it isproper for a customer to return an item.

In selected embodiments, a customer may utilize a mobile electronicdevice, such as a smart phone or tablet. An electronic receipt may bedisplayed or managed on the mobile electronic device and the device mayinclude software which allows the customer to manage receipts. Thesoftware may allow the customer to interface with the electronic receiptand with the POS system.

In certain embodiments, a machine-readable code may be used to interactbetween the customer's mobile electronic device and the POS system. Themachine readable code may comprise a conventional barcode or atwo-dimensional barcode (e.g., a Quick Response (QR) Code). The dataencoded within a machine-readable code may vary between differentembodiments and different purposes or goals of the embodiment. Inselected embodiments, a machine-readable code may encode a transactionidentification (ID) uniquely identifying a particular transaction (e.g.,purchase, return, or the like). Alternatively, or in addition thereto, amachine-readable code may encode data regarding the POS terminal and/orthe store where the terminal is located.

In general, the purpose of a receipts system is to facilitate handlingof receipts in a manner which is convenient to the customer and whichalso provides a desired measure of security. Many challenges arise inusing electronic receipts. In particular, the use of electronic receiptswhen returning items raises a variety of challenges in ensuring that thereturns process is handled in compliance with store policy and inensuring that the store records and information about the initial saletransaction and the return transaction match the receipts maintained bythe customer. For example, it is typically desirable to provide somesecurity whereby a customer cannot easily complete a return for aproduct which they have not purchased or complete an additional returnfrom a receipt for a product which they have already returned. It isalso desirable to make the receipts management process streamlined andconvenient, as this improves the customer experience as well as reducesthe store workload.

In managing receipts, it may often be desirable to update the receipt orprovide a more complete receipt history. This may ensure that thecustomer or a sales associate has accurate information about previoustransactions.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may be embodied asan apparatus, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, thepresent invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment,an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software,micro-code, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardwareaspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “module” or“system.” Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of acomputer program product embodied in any tangible medium of expressionhaving computer-usable program code embodied in the medium.

Any combination of one or more computer-usable or computer-readablemedia may be utilized. For example, a computer-readable medium mayinclude one or more of a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM) device, a read-only memory (ROM) device, anerasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) device, aportable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), an optical storagedevice, and a magnetic storage device. In selected embodiments, acomputer-readable medium may comprise any non-transitory medium that cancontain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for useby or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the presentinvention may be written in any combination of one or more programminglanguages, including an object-oriented programming language such asJava, Smalltalk, C++, or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages. The program code may execute entirely on acomputer of a point-of-sale (POS) system, partly on a POS computer, as astand-alone software package, on a stand-alone hardware unit, partly ona remote computer spaced some distance from the POS computer, orentirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, theremote computer may be connected to the POS computer through any type ofnetwork, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network(WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (e.g.,through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

Embodiments can also be implemented in cloud computing environments. Inthis description and the following claims, “cloud computing” is definedas a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network accessto a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks,servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidlyprovisioned via virtualization and released with minimal managementeffort or service provider interaction, and then scaled accordingly. Acloud model can be composed of various characteristics (e.g., on-demandself-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity,measured service, etc.), service models (e.g., Software as a Service(“SaaS”), Platform as a Service (“PaaS”), Infrastructure as a Service(“IaaS”), and deployment models (e.g., private cloud, community cloud,public cloud, hybrid cloud, etc.).

The present invention is described below with reference to flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) andcomputer program products according to embodiments of the invention. Itwill be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/orblock diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computerprogram instructions or code. These computer program instructions may beprovided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purposecomputer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce amachine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor ofthe computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, createmeans for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchartand/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable medium that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instruction meanswhich implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/actsspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

Referring to FIG. 1, in selected embodiments, the hardware, software, orhardware and software of a POS system 10 may be configured to implementone or more methods in accordance with the present invention. Forexample, a POS system 10 may be manufactured, programmed, modified, orupgraded to support providing electronic receipts to customers and tosupport the reprint of paper receipts from electronic receipts. It willbe appreciated that a customer may be printing or reprinting a paperreceipt for the first, second, third, etc. time. For clarity, this isdiscussed as reprinting a receipt herein.

A POS system 10 in accordance with the present invention may includevarious components. In certain embodiments, a POS system 10 may includea central or primary computer 12, a monitor 14 (e.g., a cashier-facingmonitor 14), one or more input devices 16 (e.g., scanners 16 a,keyboards 16 b, scales, or the like), one or more payment devices 18(e.g., cash drawers 18 a, card readers 18 b) for receiving or returningpayments, one or more output devices 20 (e.g., customer-facing display20 a or monitor 20 a, receipt printer 20 b), or the like or combinationsor sub-combinations thereof.

A computer 12 may form the primary processing unit of a POS system 10.Other components 16, 18, 20 forming part of a POS system 10 maycommunicate with the computer 12. Input devices 16 and certain paymentdevices 18 may feed data and commands to a computer 12 for processing orimplementation. For example, a scanner 16 a may pass data communicatingthe identity of one or more items to be purchased, returned, or the liketo a computer 12. Similarly, a card reader 18 b may pass paymentinformation to a computer 12.

Conversely, output devices 20 and certain payment devices 18 may followor implement commands issued by a computer 12. For example, a cashdrawer 18 a may open in accordance with the commands of a computer 12.Similarly, a customer-facing display 20 a and receipt printer 20 b maydisplay or output data or information as instructed by a computer 12.

In selected embodiments, in addition to handling consumer transactions(e.g., purchases, returns), a POS system 10 may also provide or supportcertain “back office” functionality. For example, a POS system 10 mayprovide or support inventory control, purchasing, receiving andtransferring products, or the like. A POS system 10 may also store salesand customer information for reporting purposes, marketing purposes,receivables management, trend analysis, cost analysis, price analysis,profit analysis, or the like. If desired or necessary, a POS system 10in accordance with the present invention may include an accountinginterface to pass certain information to one or more in-house orindependent accounting applications.

Referring to FIG. 2, in selected embodiments, a POS system 10 mayoperate substantially independently, as a stand-alone unit. Alternately,a POS system 10 in accordance with the present invention may be one ofseveral POS systems 10 forming the front line of a larger system. Forexample, multiple POS systems 10 may operate at a particular location 22(e.g., within a retail, brick-and-mortar store). In such embodiments,the various POS systems 10 may be interconnected via a LAN 24. A LAN 24may also connect the POS systems 10 to a local server 26.

A local server 26 may support the operation of the associated POSsystems 10. For example, a server 26 may provide a central repositoryfrom which certain data needed by the associated POS systems 10 may bestored, indexed, accessed, or the like. A server 26 may serve certainsoftware to one or more POS systems 10. In certain embodiments, a POSsystem 10 may offload certain tasks, computations, verifications, or thelike to a server 26.

Alternatively, or in addition thereto, a server 26 may support certainback office functionality. For example, a server 26 may receive andcompile (e.g., within one or more associated databases 28) data from thevarious associated POS systems 10 to provide or support inventorycontrol, purchasing, receiving and transferring products, or the like. Aserver 26 may also receive and compile sales and customer informationfor reporting purposes, marketing purposes, receivables management,trend analysis, cost analysis, price analysis, profit analysis, or thelike.

In certain embodiments, one or more POS systems 10 or servers 26corresponding to a particular location 22 may communicate with or accessone or more remote computers or resources via one or more networkdevices 30. For example, a network device 30 may enable a POS system 10to contact outside resources and verify the payment credentials (e.g.,credit card information) provided by a customer. A network device 30 maycomprise a modem, router, or the like.

In selected embodiments, a POS system 10 in accordance with the presentinvention may operate within an enterprise-wide system 31 comprisingmultiple locations 22 (e.g., branches 22 or stores 22). In suchembodiments, each location 22 may have one or more POS systems 10, localservers 26, local databases 28, network devices 30, or the like orcombinations or sub-combinations thereof connected by a computer network(e.g., a LAN 24). Additionally, each such location 22 may be configuredto interact with one or more supervisory systems 32. For example,multiple branch locations 22 may report to an associated “headquarters”location or system 32.

A supervisory system 32 may comprise one or more supervisory servers 34,databases 36, workstations 38, network devices 40, or the like orcombinations or sub-combinations thereof. The various components of asupervisory system 32 may be interconnected via a computer network(e.g., a LAN 42). In selected embodiments, a supervisory system 32 maycomprise one or more supervisory servers 34 providing a centralrepository from which certain data needed by the one or more POS systems10 or local servers 26 may be stored, indexed, accessed, or the like.

Alternatively, or in addition thereto, a supervisory server 34 mayreceive and compile (e.g., within one or more associated databases 36)data from the various associated POS systems 10 or local servers 26 toprovide or support inventory control, purchasing, receiving andtransferring products, or the like. A supervisory server 34 may alsoreceive and compile sales and customer information for reportingpurposes, marketing purposes, receivables management, trend analysis,cost analysis, price analysis, profit analysis, or the like.

A supervisory system 32 may be connected to one or more associatedlocations 22 or branches 22 in via any suitable computer network 44(e.g., WAN 44). For example, in selected embodiments, one or morelocations 22 may connect to a supervisor system 32 via the Internet.Communication over such a network 44 may follow any suitable protocol orsecurity scheme. For example, communication may utilize the FileTransfer Protocol (FTP), a virtual private network (VPN), intranet, orthe like.

It is thus appreciated that in discussing the functionality of thevarious POS terminals and servers, the present invention may beimplemented in a system contained within a single location or acrossmultiple locations. By way of example, the functionality accomplished bya server or computer, such as storing, processing, and transmittingreceipt information, may be accomplished by a local computer or a remotecomputer such as servers 26 and 34.

Referring to FIG. 3, in selected embodiments in accordance with thepresent invention, a POS system 10 may output a receipt 46. For example,a printer 20 b of a POS system 10 may output a paper receipt 46. Areceipt 46 may perform various functions. Primarily, a receipt 46 maydocument a financial transaction (e.g., sale or return). In selectedembodiments, a receipt 46 may include a logo 48, contact information 50,a list 52 of items purchased or returned, a total 54 indicating thesales tax assessed or returned, a total 56 indicating 56 the amount paidor returned, payment information 58, other information 60, or the likeor combinations or sub-combinations thereof.

By including store contact information 50 on a receipt 46, an entity mayensure that a customer has ready access to one or more physicaladdresses, Internet address, telephone numbers, facsimile numbers, hoursof operation, or the like or combinations or sub-combinations thereof.One or more of a list 52 of items purchased or returned, a total 54indicating the sales tax assessed or returned, a total 56 indicating 56the amount paid or returned, and payment information 58 (e.g., date oftransaction, an indication of method of payment, an indication of whichcredit or debit card was used, etc.) may be included to documentimportant details of a transaction.

Other information 60 may be included within a receipt 46 as desired ornecessary. In selected embodiments, a receipt 46 may include identifyinginformation 62. Information 62 may include an identification number 64which identifies the particular transaction associated with the receipt46. Additionally, the identifying information 62 may include amachine-readable code 66. The code 66 may also provide information toidentify the transaction associated with the particular receipt 46. Theidentifying information may include information such as the store wherethe items were purchased, the time of purchase, the total price of thetransaction, etc.

A machine-readable code 66 may comprise a barcode. For example, incertain embodiments, a machine-readable code 66 may comprise atwo-dimensional barcode. Two-dimensional barcodes may support or providemore data per unit area than can be obtained using a traditionalone-dimensional barcode. Moreover, two-dimensional barcodes aretypically configured to be scanned using a camera, an item that iscommonly found on personal electronic devices. A two-dimensional barcodefor use in accordance with the present invention may follow any suitableprotocol, format, or system. In selected embodiments, a two-dimensionalcode may be embodied as a Quick Response (QR) Code.

Referring to FIG. 4, a customer may download or may already havedownloaded electronic receipts software to a mobile electronic device68. The mobile electronic device 68 may be a smart phone, tablet PC,etc. A customer may have previously received a paper receipt 46 whichincludes an invitation to use electronic receipts instead of paperreceipts and may have installed electronic receipts software on themobile electronic device 68.

As indicated at 70, the customer may have an account with the computerserver 72 and may transmit information to the server 72. It will beappreciated that the functionality of server 72 may be implemented byservers 26, 34, etc. The computer server 72 may likewise transmitinformation to the mobile device 68. The customer may receive electronicreceipts on the mobile device 68 and the electronic receipts software onthe mobile device 68 may enable the customer to manage electronicreceipts. Additionally, the electronic receipts software may allow thecustomer to interact with a POS terminal 10 via the mobile electronicdevice 68, such as through machine readable code like QR code 106.

Referring to FIG. 5, the mobile electronic device 68 may display anelectronic receipt 74 to the customer in a manner similar to theappearance of a paper receipt 46. The electronic receipts software onthe mobile electronic device 68 allows a person to view their electronicreceipts and to manage their receipts in many ways similar to a paperreceipt. The software may provide menus, commands, or virtual buttons78, 80 to the customer to facilitate completion of the various steps formanaging electronic receipts which are discussed herein.

In order to make the receipts more usable to the customer, it isdesirable to provide enhanced functionality as compared to simplyproviding the customer with an image of the receipt. The software mayperform many functions allowing the customer to perform tasks such asreviewing receipts, and also allowing the customer to print paperreceipts with the electronic receipt or otherwise select a receipt forprinting and use.

The use of electronic receipts may conserve natural resources byreducing the need for and consumption of paper. Electronic receipts mayalso enable a consumer to more easily track and keep a highly detailedrecord of his or her spending. Entities issuing electronic receipts maybenefit from additional marketing opportunities that the electronicreceipts provide. Recipients may use electronic receipts to more easilymanage their receipts. There are, however, some disadvantages toelectronic receipts. In some situations it may be more difficult toverify a returns transaction from an electronic receipt. Accordingly,there are times when it is desirable for a customer to obtain a paperreceipt corresponding to the electronic receipt.

Referring to FIG. 6, the electronic receipt 74 is shown in greaterdetail. As discussed, a POS system 10 may output an electronic receipt74 to a customer who has elected to receive an electronic receiptinstead of a paper receipt. An electronic receipt 74 is often presentedto a customer in a manner which is similar to a paper receipt 46. Theelectronic receipt 74 may include a store logo 48, contact information50, a list 52 of items purchased or returned, a total 54 indicating thesales tax assessed or returned, a total 56 indicating 56 the amount paidor returned, payment information 58, a machine readable code 76identifying the transaction, and other information 60 as desired, aswell as combinations or sub-combinations thereof.

A machine-readable code 76 may comprise a barcode. For example, incertain embodiments, a machine-readable code 76 may comprise aconventional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode such as a QR code.Two-dimensional barcodes may support or provide more data per unit areathan can be obtained using a traditional one-dimensional barcode.Moreover, two-dimensional barcodes are typically configured to becaptured using a camera, an item that is commonly found on personalelectronic devices. A two-dimensional barcode for use in accordance withthe present invention may follow any suitable protocol, format, orsystem. In selected embodiments, a two-dimensional code may be embodiedas a Quick Response (QR) Code.

As regards the management of electronic receipts, the data encodedwithin a machine-readable code 76 may encode a transactionidentification (ID). A transaction ID may uniquely identify a particulartransaction (e.g., the transaction documented by the correspondingreceipt 74). The machine-readable code 76 may include a data hash ofdesired information describing the purchase transaction. For example,the code 76 may contain the store and POS terminal where the transactionoccurred, the time of the transaction, the total price of thetransaction, etc.

With such information, a returns associate may scan in themachine-readable code 76 or key in a corresponding alpha-numeric codewhich may be presented along with the machine readable code and obtainsufficient information to demonstrate the legitimacy of the receipt orotherwise work with the receipt. A returns associate may enter themachine readable code 76 or corresponding alpha-numeric code into a POSterminal 10 and retrieve the transaction data corresponding to theoriginal transaction. A returns associate may enter the machine readablecode 76 or corresponding alpha-numeric code into a POS terminal toreceive the transaction data or receipts for the original transaction aswell as for subsequent related transactions. The associate may enter thetransaction identification code associated with the receipt into the POSterminal 10 to thereby request information regarding the originaltransaction and the receipt from the server 72. The server 72 may thentransmit the requested information to the POS terminal 10, such as bysending information to the POS terminal to reprint the desired receiptor receipts. Herein, it is often referred to that the customer willprovide information to ‘a POS terminal.’ It is appreciated that variousmodes of providing the receipt information involve providing theinformation to a returns associate while various other modes ofproviding the receipt information involve inputting the information intothe POS terminal.

Referring to FIG. 7, a customer may desire to complete a returntransaction for a purchase which initially generated an electronicreceipt. In these situations, a store or retailer may desire anadditional measure of security against fraudulent returns. FIG. 7generally illustrates a process 82 which may be used to reprint a paperreceipt and/or receipt history from an electronic receipt 74 inconjunction with a return. With electronic receipts software, thecustomer will have access to the receipt 74 on their mobile electronicdevice 68.

Generally, a person will first determine 84 if they have an item toreturn. The person may open 86 electronic receipts software on a mobileelectronic device in order to view their receipts and find receipts tocomplete a return. They may then identify 88 one or more electronicreceipts for reprinting. The person may enter 90 a returns featurewithin the electronic receipts software which may assist the person inhandling the return, interfacing with the POS terminal, and receiving anupdated electronic receipt if desired. The person would then typicallygo to a returns POS terminal 92 at a store associated with the receipts.The person will they typically communicate with and work with a returnsassociate to complete the return.

The person will typically present 94 receipt and return information tothe returns associate. The person will typically complete customarysteps, such as presenting the item to be returned to the associate andindicating a reason for the return. The person will also present receiptinformation to the returns associate. This may include the personshowing the returns associate the electronic receipt 74 as displayed ontheir mobile electronic device. In some cases, the person may have apaper copy of the receipt 46 and may present the paper receipt to thereturns associate.

The returns associate will then typically scan or enter 96 the receiptidentification into the POS terminal. The returns associate may enterthis information by scanning the machine readable code 76 into the POSterminal. POS terminals equipped with optical scanners can typicallyscan a machine readable code directly from the display screen of amobile electronic device. Alternatively, the returns associate may viewan alpha-numeric type code on the receipt and manually enter this codeinto the POS terminal. Such an alpha-numeric identifying code may betypically presented on a receipt along with a machine readable code 76to ensure that a returns associate may work with the receipt as needed.

After the associate enters the receipt identification into the POSterminal, the POS terminal requests 98 receipt information from theserver 72. The server 72 will often have a heartbeat connection to thePOS terminal 10 and the POS terminal 10 can transmit a receiptreprinting request to the server. Information is sent to a server 26,43, 72 to identify receipts for reprinting. It is appreciated that wherea POS terminal operates within a local system, the POS terminal may sendthe receipt request to a local server which then requests the receiptdata from a supervisory server.

The server 72 than processes 100 the receipt reprinting request. Theserver may identify the particular receipt from stored receipt data andmay determine that the receipt 74 identified by the receiptidentification number is a legitimate receipt. The server may alsoidentify additional receipts related to the original receipt 74. In oneconfiguration, receipts for related transactions (i.e. a purchase and areturn of an item) are assigned and identified with the same receiptidentification number. This is typically the number stored in orrepresented by the machine readable code 76 and associated alpha-numericcode. The server may then identify all receipts having that particularidentification number. In another configuration, receipts for relatedtransactions may be assigned and identified with different but relatedidentification numbers or by different identification numbers. In such aconfiguration, the server may identify related receipts by sharedaspects in the identification number or by metadata or other datalinking those receipts together.

After processing 100 the receipt information and identifying the receiptand/or related receipts, the server 72 may then send 102 receiptinformation to the POS terminal. Where multiple related receipts areavailable for a transaction, the server may indicate this to the returnsassociate and ask whether the associate wants to print all relatedreceipts. The returns associate may provide an answer to the server 72.The server sends 102 receipt data to the POS terminal for printing. Thereceipt data may be sent 102 to the POS terminal 10 in a format which isunderstood by the POS terminal and by a receipts printer 20 b. Thereceipts are posted 104 to the POS terminal. The server may also notify106 the sales associate that a receipt is being reprinted or is ready toreprint. The POS terminal reprints 108 the receipt, typically bytransmitting the receipt information to a receipts printer 20 b.

In processing 100 a receipt for reprinting, the server receiptsmanagement system (broadly including devices such as the POS terminal10, server 72, etc.) may modify a receipt to make it more suited for aparticular purpose when reprinting the receipt. An important purpose forallowing a returns associate to reprint a receipt is to assist inpreventing fraudulent returns. As such, the receipt may be modified tomake it easier for the sales associate to complete the returnstransaction.

Referring to FIG. 8, various modified receipts which have been reprintedfrom a receipt according to the present system are shown. The receiptsmanagement system (these receipt modification tasks are often performedthe server 72, 26, 34) may modify the original receipt to show relatedreceipts or related transactions. In one configuration, the system mayidentify all receipts 46 a for transactions related to the originalreceipt 46, 74 and may transmit all of these receipts 46 b to the POSterminal for printing. These related receipts 46 b may typically beprinted in chronological order, and may also include a summary timelineof the related transactions to assist the returns associate indetermining how to handle the return. The receipts management system maymodify the original receipt to show related receipts or relatedtransactions in a single combined receipt 46 c. The system may identifyreceipts for related transactions (such as a return or exchange) and maymodify the original receipt so that the receipt is printed as a singlecombined receipt 46 c which reflects these changes. For example, thereceipt 46 c may show certain items as lined out where they have beenreturned and may print date next to the item to show the associate whenthe item was returned. The modified receipt 46 c may give a summarytimeline of the related transactions to assist the returns associate.Printing the full receipt/transaction history for an item in questioncan be very important for preventing fraudulent returns.

The receipts management system may modify the original receipt to showadditional information to the returns associate on an enhanced receipt46 d. For example, the enhanced receipt 46 d may show the returns policyfor the items on the receipt. The returns policy may be briefly statedadjacent each item, such as below the item. The returns policy may bebriefly stated in a few words or a single line by descriptions such as“30 days,” “exchange only,” “exchange only if opened,” etc. The modifiedreceipt 46 d may also be enhanced to highlight relevant dates, etc.Additionally, a modified receipt may be reprinted with a differentheader, such as by indicating that the receipt is a reprinted copy orthat the receipt is for store use only.

Referring to FIG. 9, the customer will typically interact with a POSterminal and a returns associate in completing a return (return,exchange, etc.). Although there may be other reasons for reprinting areceipt according to the present invention, facilitating returns andpreventing fraud in returns is a significant use of the presentinvention. Typically, the customer will transmit receipt identificationto the POS terminal 10. This may be accomplished by providing a machinereadable code 76 to the returns associate and POS terminal. The returnsassociate may use a scanner 16 a to capture the machine readable code 76and transmit the machine readable code to the POS terminal.Alternatively, the customer or the returns associate may manually entera corresponding alpha-numeric code into a keypad, such as may be presenton a debit card reader 18 b. Providing 94 the receipt identification tothe POS terminal allows the returns associate to obtain receiptinformation and to reprint a receipt as discussed.

In another configuration, a customer may pair with a POS terminal 10 inorder to facilitate reprinting the receipts. The customer may capture aQR code at the POS terminal with their mobile electronic device 68 orotherwise enter a code into their mobile electronic device to pair withthe POS terminal. The QR code may be displayed to the customer and mayidentify the particular POS terminal and store where the customer islocated. Alternatively, the customer may pair with the POS terminal byentering identifying information into the POS terminal, such as byentering the phone number associated with their mobile electronic deviceinto a keypad such as on a debit card reader 18 b. This phone number maybe the phone number associated their mobile electronic device and theircustomer account with the retailer. Pairing the mobile electronic device68 with the POS terminal may allow the customer to transmit the receiptidentification to the POS terminal to allow the present receiptreprinting and returns process to proceed. By way of example, thereceipt identification data may be transmitted from the mobileelectronic device to the server 72 over the device network and thentransmitted from the server to the POS terminal 10 over the storecommunication network.

Turning now to FIG. 10, the general flow of information for reprintingreceipts is shown. After the customer has approached 92 a POS terminal10, the customer will typically identify 88 receipt information on themobile electronic device 68 and will typically provide 94 receiptidentification information to the sales associate and to the POSterminal 10. The receipt information will contain the informationnecessary to identify the desired receipt. The POS terminal 10 may sendthe server 72 information identifying the particular receipt or receiptsfor reprinting, information regarding particular print formatting of thereceipts, as well as other necessary information.

The POS terminal 10 may often maintain a heartbeat signal with theserver 26, 34, 72. The POS terminal may expect that a receipt will bedelivered for printing. The POS terminal may then request 98 receiptinformation from the server. The server may process 100 the request(including any desired modification of the receipt) and may deliver 102the receipt data to the POS terminal 10 and the receipts which are to beprinted may be posted 104 to the POS terminal. Typically, the server 72will deliver the receipts to the POS terminal 10 in the same format thatthe POS terminal typically uses for creating and printing receipts,allowing the POS terminal and the receipt printer 20 b to understand thereceipt information.

The POS terminal 10 may notify the sales associate that a receipt hasbeen received for a customer. The returns associate may then cause thereceipt to be printed when the customer is ready for the receipt.Alternatively, the POS terminal may automatically print the receipt whenready. In either case, the receipt may be sent to a receipt printer 20 band printed 108. The returns associate may use the receipt to evaluate areturn, exchange, etc. that has been requested by the customer.Additional information provided as part of a modified receipt 46 a-46 dmay be used by the returns associate in making this evaluation. In manycases, the receipt may be marked as a reprinted receipt or for store useonly and might not be presented to the customer.

Referring to FIG. 11, a receipts management system in accordance withthe present invention may include a receipts management module 130. Thevarious functions or modules of a receipts management module 130 may beenacted or implemented by any suitable system or component thereof. Forexample, in selected embodiments, one or more functions or modules of areceipts management module 130 may be distributed across one or morehardware devices, including a mobile electronic device 68, a primarycomputer 12 of a POS system 10, a local server 26, a supervisory server34 or 72, some other onsite resource, some other offsite resource, orthe like or combinations or sub-combinations thereof. Thus, systems andmethods in accordance with the present invention may be adapted to awide variety of situations, including more rigid legacy systems.

In selected embodiments, a receipts management module 130 facilitatesthe receipts printing process described herein. The receipts managementmodule may include any suitable arrangement of sub-components ormodules. The receipts management module 130 may include an interfacemodule 110 which interfaces with a customer. The interface module mayinclude a display on a mobile electronic device 68. The receiptsmanagement module 130 may also include a scanning module 112 which mayinclude a camera on a mobile electronic device 68 and which facilitatesscanning machine readable codes such as QR codes. The scanning module112 may also include a scanner 16 a which facilitates the POS terminal10 scanning machine readable codes. The receipts management module 130may include a network communications module 114 which may facilitatecommunications between the mobile electronic device 68 and the server26, 34, 72.

The receipts management module 130 may include a receipts processingmodule 116 which may facilitate processing receipts and preparingreceipts for reprinting. The receipts management module 130 may includea system communications module 118 which may communicate between a POSterminal 10 and a server 26, 34, 72 and which may transmit receiptinformation from the server to the POS terminal. The receipts managementmodule 130 may also include a receipts printing module 120 whichfacilitates printing receipts for the customer at a store. The receiptsmanagement module 130 may also include other modules 122 as aredesirable to implement aspects of the present invention. The variousmodules and parts of the receipts management module 108 may include bothhardware, firmware and software components as are desirable toaccomplish the present invention and to achieve the various steps,features, and functionality discussed herein.

The flowchart and block diagrams of the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block inthe flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, orportion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations,and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustrations, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, thefunctions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in theFigure. In certain embodiments, two blocks shown in succession may, infact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. Alternatively, certain steps or functions may beomitted if not needed.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative,and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for preventing fraudulent returns comprising: a customer selecting an item for return; the customer selecting an original receipt corresponding to that item; the customer providing identification information corresponding to the original receipt to a POS terminal; the POS terminal transmitting information to a receipts management server to request a printed copy of the original receipt; the receipts management server transmitting receipt information to the POS terminal; the POS terminal printing the printed copy of the receipt; a returns associate reviewing the printed copy of the receipt; and the returns associate evaluating the return in light of the printed copy of the receipt.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of the customer selecting an original receipt corresponding to that item more specifically comprises: the customer operating electronic receipts software on a mobile electronic device; and the customer selecting an electronic receipt, the electronic receipt being stored on the mobile electronic device.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the POS terminal transmits information to print the printed copy of the receipt at a receipts printer associated with the POS terminal
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of the customer providing identification information corresponding to the original receipt to a POS terminal comprises a returns associate scanning a machine readable code on the original receipt.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of the customer providing identification information corresponding to the original receipt to a POS terminal comprises entering an alpha-numeric identification code into the POS terminal.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of the customer providing identification information corresponding to the original receipt to a POS terminal comprises pairing the mobile electronics device with the POS terminal such that the device identity of both the mobile electronic device and the POS terminal is known and transmitting identification information from the mobile electronic device to the POS terminal.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises the receipts management server processing receipt information and the receipts management server transmitting modified receipt information to the POS terminal such that a modified receipt is printed.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the modified receipt comprises returns policy information for an item on the original receipt.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the modified receipt comprises additional information for an item on the original receipt.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the modified receipt comprises multiple transactions related to the original receipt.
 11. A method for preventing fraudulent returns comprising: a customer operating electronic receipts software on a mobile electronic device; the customer selecting an electronic original receipt; the customer providing receipt identification to a POS terminal; the POS terminal transmitting information to a server to identify the selected electronic receipt; the server transmitting data corresponding to the electronic receipt to the POS terminal; and the POS terminal printing a paper copy of the receipt.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the customer selects an electronic receipt in connection with returning an item from the electronic receipt.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the server processes the information identifying the electronic receipt to provide a modified receipt related to the original receipt to the POS terminal.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the modified receipt comprises multiple receipts for transactions related to the original receipt.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the modified receipt includes a timeline of the transactions related to the original receipt.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the modified receipt comprises a single receipt comprising multiple transactions related to the original receipt.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the modified receipt comprises additional information for an item on the original receipt.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the modified receipt comprises returns policy information for an item on the original receipt.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the modified receipt is not provided to the customer.
 20. The method of claim 11, further comprising: a returns associate reviewing the paper copy of the receipt; and the returns associate evaluating a proposed item return in light of the paper copy of the receipt. 